fanatical
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fanatical
Excessively and often intolerantly enthusiastic about an idea, a religion, or a cause. It describes an extreme, uncritical devotion that does not allow for other opinions.
Er ist ein fanatischer Anhänger seines Fußballvereins und reagiert aggressiv auf Kritik.
He is a fanatical supporter of his football club and reacts aggressively to criticism.
fanatical
In a more neutral sense, extremely committed, careful, or obsessed with detail in an activity. It describes a very intense, almost obsessive way of doing something.
Sie achtet mit fanatischer Genauigkeit auf Sauberkeit in ihrer Küche.
She pays fanatical attention to cleanliness in her kitchen.
Careful: 'fanatisch' (fanatical) is a very strong word and usually has a negative meaning of extremist, intolerant, and obsessed. It is much stronger than 'begeistert' (enthusiastic) or 'leidenschaftlich' (passionate).
Seine fanatischen politischen Ansichten machen eine Diskussion unmöglich.
His fanatical political views make discussion impossible.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. In connection with ideologies, religion, or politics, 'fanatisch' (fanatical) is almost always negative. If it describes a personal trait or activity, however (e.g., cleanliness, collecting), it can also be meant neutrally in the sense of 'extremely committed' or 'excessively precise.'
Er ist ein fanatischer Gegner jeder Art von Umweltverschmutzung.
He is a fanatical opponent of every kind of environmental pollution.
In its negative meaning, 'fanatisch' (fanatical) is often combined with nouns such as 'Anhänger' (supporter), 'Kämpfer' (fighter), 'Glaube' (belief/faith), or 'Hass' (hatred) to describe an extreme and intolerant attitude.
Die Gruppe besteht aus fanatischen Anhängern ihres Anführers.
The group consists of fanatical supporters of their leader.
In the more neutral, often exaggerated meaning, 'fanatisch' (fanatical) describes extreme devotion to an activity. Typical combinations are 'fanatische Genauigkeit' (fanatical precision), 'fanatische Sauberkeit' (fanatical cleanliness), or 'ein fanatischer Sammler' (a fanatical collector).
Als fanatischer Radfahrer ist er bei jedem Wetter draußen unterwegs.
As a fanatical cyclist, he is out riding in all kinds of weather.
obsessed / possessed
“Besessen” and “fanatisch” both describe extreme devotion to an idea or cause. “Besessen” highlights a person’s mental fixation, while “fanatisch” can additionally express an excessive, uncritical, and often intolerant attitude. “Besessen” fits an inner fixation, while “fanatisch” fits this kind of attitude.
Er verteidigt seine Idee fanatisch und lässt keine andere Meinung zu.
He defends his idea fanatically and does not allow any other opinion.
Er ist von der Idee besessen und denkt den ganzen Tag an seinen Plan.
He is obsessed with the idea and thinks about his plan all day.
